Academy of General Dentistry pushes back on Delta Dental, Aetna payment policies: 6 notes

The Academy of General Dentistry is opposing two new insurer policies and has asked regulatory bodies to prohibit restrictive payment rules. 

Six notes:

1. The AGD sent letters to Aetna and Delta Dental of California opposing policies that restrict or charge fees for paper check reimbursements, according to an Aug. 10 release.
2. The AGD asked Delta Dental of California to eliminate a $15 weekly administrative fee charged to dentists who receive reimbursements by paper check rather than electronic funds transfer, calling the fee an “unnecessary burden” that shifts the insurer’s administrative costs onto dental practices.
3. The organization also urged Aetna to reconsider its plan to discontinue paper checks entirely for out-of-network dentists, arguing that payment methods should not be used as leverage to influence network participation decisions.
4. Additionally, the AGD asked the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the National Council of Insurance Legislators to evaluate whether such fees and restrictions are consistent with state laws and fair claims payment standards.
5. The AGD asked both regulatory bodies to encourage state regulators to prohibit insurers from imposing administrative fees or other restrictions on provider payment methods. 
6. The letters come after the American Dental Association voiced its opposition to bother policies from the two insurers. The ADA also contacted the NAIC.

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